New Features for Google Desktop

The beta version of Google Desktop 3 lets you search multiple computers for that missing file.

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Google launched a beta version of the new Google Desktop 3 today, with enhanced search capabilities, integration with Google Talk, and a more flexible sidebar.

The new Google Desktop still indexes the files on your PC for speedy searching, but version 3 lets you search multiple computers from one desktop, provided that Google Desktop 3 is installed on all the PCs. To do this, indexes are transferred using SSL encryption to Google's servers, then on to your other machines for "remote" searching. For security, this functionality is turned off by default, and indexes are password protected in addition to the encryption.

Google Desktop 3 (beta) still has the sidebar with widget-style plug-ins that can automatically track things like weather, traffic, air fares, and news, but version 3 lets you share your sidebar content with friends. And screen space-constrained users will appreciate the ability to break off individual components of the sidebar and move or resize them.

Our PC Labs analysts are test-driving the new version of Google Desktop as you read this, so check back very soon for our full review.

Kyle Monson is the Senior Editor for PCMag.com. He oversees and edits PCMag.com’s home page and product news coverage, and helps out with site maintenance and editing. He also oversees feature projects like the Top 100 Web Sites, and writes reviews and news stories.
Kyle is the Founding Editor of AppScout, a PCMag.com-affiliated blog covering software and Web applications.
Before joining the PC Magazine staff, Kyle wrote for Newsweek and several daily newspapers. He has a BA in Communications (Print Journalism) from Brigham Young University.
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